When a driver fails to attend orientation, it presents a critical opportunity for recruiters to proactively address the situation. Sustained engagement with the driver—through phone calls, text messages, and clearly defined next steps—is essential. When communication tapers off in the days leading up to orientation, drivers may begin to feel uncertain or uneasy about their decision to join the company. Although many recruiters consistently maintain this level of contact, there will inevitably be occasions when a driver does not appear for orientation for a variety of reasons. In these cases, it remains important to continue outreach and reinforce the relationship. Drivers should clearly understand that our organization is equally invested in their success and long‑term journey with us as we expect them to be committed to our team.

With texting becoming more prevalent for contacting drivers, I want to drop a pro tip on texting! Recruiters: If Your Text Messages Aren’t Getting Replies, This Is Why. Drivers Live On Their Phones. Long Texts Get Ignored. Two Lines Is The Sweet Spot. One Clear Purpose Per Message. Always Ask One Low-Friction Question. Yes/No. Time-Based. Preference-Based. Your Goal Isn’t To Qualify — It’s To Start A Conversation. I Repeat: The Goal Isn't To Qualify/Pre-Qualify. It's To Talk! Personalize Just Enough To Sound Human. Use Their First Name, The Role They Applied For, Or Their Location. One Detail Is All It Takes. Say It Out Loud: You’re Not A Bot. Say This Out Loud: The Driver Is Your Customer...Not The Other Way Around. Reference Their Application. Use Your Real Name. Invite A Simple Reply. Trust Goes Up Instantly When You Address Spam Head-On. Follow Up Without Sounding Pushy. Most Replies Come From The Second, Third or Fourth Touch — Not The First. Assume They’re Busy, Not Disinterested. And Once They Reply? Match Their Tone. Match Their Length. Keep It Human. Keep A Servant's Heart & Attitude With Every Driver. (This Seems To Get Lost A LOT For Some Reason) Short. Clear. Human. That’s How Conversations Turn Into Hires.

I’m a big advocate for leveraging old leads, and I use a calendar with my ATS to keep track of everyone I connect with for follow-ups. If a driver seems ready but I don’t have an immediate opportunity, I schedule a follow-up for 2-3 weeks later. For drivers with backgrounds that will clear soon, I set reminders for 30 days before their issues fall off. If a driver takes another job, I follow up in 3-6 weeks to check in and see if they’re still interested in what I have to offer. This approach allows you to start each day with 30-70 follow-ups. As you build rapport, these drivers will get to know you and refer others to you because you’re consistently checking in and showing them that you have options. I also make it a point to take personal notes about my drivers—like their hobbies or family details, along with what we spoke about on our calls. This personal touch makes it easier to show them how switching jobs can benefit them. For example, if they’re considering one of my better-paying positions, I can highlight how the extra cents per mile can help them afford that new Harley they’ve been eyeing, even if it means being out longer and home more often. By building these relationships and understanding their needs, we can create opportunities that, in turn, create a valuable recruiter/driver relationship!

We contact a lot of drivers every day! That's what we are best at! Well, don't forget that every driver is being contacted by a lot of recruiters from a lot of companies every day, as well! How do you get that driver to remember who you are? Here are a couple ways: Your email should have a footer with YOUR contact information in it. Take a little time to put together your signature that you can attach at the end of every communication: use a professional picture, your name, email, phone number, and title (THINK BIGGER THAN "RECRUITER." Get creative with something that reminds them you are not a normal recruiter pulling for one company. Maybe: "Elite Driver Placement" or "Strategic Driver Placement Partner" Attach your signature to every communication you send. It gives them your contact info right there. If you have to hunt for your number, do you think a driver can find it? Or will they even take the time to look for it? NO. Your contact info should be on every EMAIL, TEXT, VOICEMAIL, AND MESSAGE you leave. You are missing out on potential hires if you do not!

Drivers (or leads for any type of job) who speak to a recruiter the same day they apply are nearly 2x more likely to show up to orientation. Wait until tomorrow? Hire probability drops 30–40%. Wait 3 days? Most never convert. Speed isn’t pressure. Speed is clarity. Speed matters!!!